Bihar bans fish trade in Patna due to presence of formalin, heavy metals

The 15-day-ban comes after high contents of formalin and heavy metals were found in fish samples taken from various locations within Patna Municipal Area

Bihar government has banned the sale, storage and transportation of all kinds of fishes within the municipal area of Patna. The ban, initially for 15 days, was imposed after high contents of formalin, lead, mercury and cadmium were found in fish samples. 

The ban has been imposed under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The violation of the ban is punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh.  

The decision was taken to prevent ailments due to consumption of such fishes, said the health department officials. "We had collected fish samples